Public Domain

Charlie Hunter is a driven man. Public Domain is his second release of 2010, following Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid, and just the second solo guitar release of his long career. As the title suggests, these 11 songs were all picked from the public domain and most are pre-World War II classics. Recorded live and without overdubs in one session, the songs have a thrilling, close-to-the-bone feel that showcases his unique playing style. Part of the reason Hunter stands apart from most guitarists is that he plays custom-built seven- and eight-string electric guitars that allow him to play leads, bass lines, and rhythm guitar simultaneously. To do this requires remarkable technique but there is nothing wonky about his approach — Hunter is all about the groove. His superb phrasing and drummer’s sense of time and rhythm are on display throughout, especially on his creative readings of “Ain’t We Got Fun,” “Avalon,” “Indiana,” and “Limehouse Blues.” He never strays too far from the original melody while still adding something fresh and exciting to these timeless tunes.